News & Reviews:   always on display

The upcoming iPhone 15 lineup by Apple will reportedly retain the spec differences between the Pro and non-Pro models as the iPhone 14 series in the display department. In other words, the vanilla iPhone 15 models are set to miss out on ProMotion and always-on display again.

Previously, we reported that Google Maps on Wear OS 3 smartwatches now support turn-by-turn navigation without the need to link to a smartphone. Now, the Wear OS app has gotten another significant upgrade whereby users can let the display be continuously on while using Google Maps.

Following years of users’ requests, Apple finally introduced the Always On Display feature on the iPhone 14 Pro series. However, its current implementation leaves a lot to be desired, with many users complaining about battery drain issues and that the Always-On Display looks too similar to when the iPhone is active.

Well, based on the latest iOS 16.2 beta version, it looks like the Always-On Display feature will improve in the next iOS update. In the aforementioned beta version, Apple added new options to the feature, giving users the choice of whether to show wallpaper and notifications when Always-On Display is activated.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the first smartphones in Apple’s lineup to feature Always-On Display - a feature that has been on Android devices for years now. However, like other ‘common’ features adopted by Apple, the Always-On Display on the iPhone 14 Pro lineup has some notable refinements, including how it can automatically turn off if the user is no longer within the device’s vicinity.

While it's not the first time that we heard about the iPhone 14 Pro variants having an always-on display, the latest news came from Mark Gurman from Bloomberg once again in his Power On newsletter. His claims that the feature will complement the new lock screen widgets from iOS 16 are consistent with the rumours.

Previously, we reported that Apple may finally introduce an always-on display feature in its iPhones, starting with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro series. Well, today, another source is backing up the claim, this time by reliable Apple insider and tipster, Mark Gurman.

The upcoming iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max may feature LTPO panels capable of dropping to as low as 1Hz, hence paving the way for always-on display elements. This is according to tech insider and display analyst Ross Young who is ‘expecting’ for Apple to make such a move with the upcoming iPhone Pro lineup.

Based on a statement by 9to5mac, it seems that the upcoming iPhone 13 smartphone is rumoured to come equipped with an Always-on-Display, as well as a refined matte back finish. While not much is known in regards to the release date, it does give us a better understanding of what to expect when the smartphone is officially available in the global market.

Last week, OnePlus announced that it will be looking to release the new version of HydrogenOS on 10 August 2020. Well, HydrogenOS 11 is now officially in China and it brings new features to OnePlus devices. Included in the bunch are the always-on display mode, an improved dark mode, and more.

Once again, a couple more new images of the LG G6 leaked ahead of MWC. This time, they are live images showing something new, the phone is turned on and showcasing its Always-On Display, which shows the time, date, battery percentage at all times.

For a change, the phone isn’t the black variety, we could clearly see the minimal bezels on its side and top. The bottom bezel is slightly larger though, and features a simple LG branding in the middle. The rounded corners of the screen are a pleasant change from the usual square cut bezels, giving the phone a better uniformed look to go along with its rounded corners.